It's a short chapter, just to let you know I'm back writing having found the passion and motivation for it again. Thanks to everyone who kicked my arse back into writing gear!

Remus woke early as usual, when the sky was still pale and the sunlight weak as though somebody had spilt water over a landscape painting. As he tentatively ventured a leg from the warm, safe embrace of the heavy covers the thin air bit like vicious icicles. Instead of whipping his leg back Remus slowly slipped out of his bed and immersed himself in the bitter air, letting chilly draughts refresh him, his skin tingling as the frosty fingers delved into his skin. He felt cleansed by the invigorating cold, but as soon as his body adapted to the temperature he headed for the showers. He recognised the guttural snores of James and frowned at the tousled figure sprawled in his usual fashion on the bed. What he and Sirius had done had been a gross infringement on the sanctity of the shared room, Remus felt they had tainted the sacred space of the Marauders. Beneath the guilt, Remus was surprised to find that he was a little thrilled by this. It made the whole experience even more exciting, risky and, he almost coloured as he thought the word, naughty. He recognised the power of Sirius' words. Just us. Not even James. Perhaps this could be their secret, something whispered, sacred and special.

Remus also knew that not even Sirius and Joanne had slept together in their dormitory. Sirius had plenty of secret spots, but this was a first for him, too. Remus felt a sweep of satisfaction at this victory over Joanne, which was swiftly followed by self-disgust further compounded by his own jealousy, his insides ripping with conflicting reason and emotion.

In the shower he twisted the handle on full blast, allowing the water to hammer heavy beats against his skin, drowning out all sounds but the warming drumming of the drops. Unfortunately he could not cover up the insistent conflict in his head as his confused thoughts continued to tangle and tear at each other.

Why should he be jealous, though? The sly, smug notion sidled in, unbidden. After all, Sirius obviously couldn't care that much for Joanne. Surely if it were serious Sirius would not be making room in his bed for Remus. What real future could there be for them when Sirius had feelings for Remus? He could not be endangering a significant relationship, it if were meaningful there would be no room for him. Commitment was obviously not an issue worth considering. In fact, Remus attempted to convince himself, this arrangement was probably for the best. He received physical satisfaction, and companionship, without the attached pressure or problems of a normal relationship. And as abnormal as he was, how could he handle, never mind expect, a normal relationship? He certainly couldn't provide one. This way he could try to retain balance, shy away from dependence, avoid control and keep his mind fresh and fixed on the one thing that already dictated his life. Best to keep envy, possession and power out of his relationships, while still enjoying the fun that all normal boys wanted. In many ways he was lucky with this situation, surely? Remus turned the water to scalding and scrubbed his skin violently until it felt his own once more.

When he stepped back into the bedroom James has already awoken. While Remus always dressed when he was hidden away in the bathroom, James happily strutted around naked, or clad only in his boxers, as he was now. He stood by the window, having flung open the curtains to inspect the weather and he was not disappointed. Already the sun had risen higher, and was now gleaming with promise. The heavy haze that caught in the treetops like spider webs was already burning away in the growing heat. James stretched, bathing in the soft yellow morning light.

"Mmm, great day." He announced.

"Course it is," came the mumbled reply from Sirius' bed, "I'm in it."

"Padfoot, if you think your presence alters my perception of the merits of a day one iota you are gravely mistaken. Which is not an uncommon occurrence."

"Methinks the lady doth protest too much. Admit it once and for all Prongs, you've got it hard for me." Sirius' grinning head appeared from beneath the covers. "As does all of the sane population of this school, including your fair Evans. I'm just too much of a gentleman to press my favours upon our favourite scornful redhead."

"I'll tell you something once and for all," James rounded upon Sirius, who goaded him with pouting and some fairly obscene gestures, "your head needs shrinking a few sizes before we can squeeze you out of the door and down for breakfast."

With that James leapt across the room and onto Sirius, and began pummelling his head. Sirius, for his part, began flailing at James' face, removing his glasses with a victorious 'ha!' flinging them away where they hit a bleary Peter about to take his turn in the bathroom. Peter merely shook his head wearily at Remus, who he thought looked a little to disaproving since this was merely a well observed, if tiresome, morning ritual.

James, with practiced athletic skill had managed to trap one of Sirius' arms beneath himself and was currently holding the other arm whilst alternatively tickling and punching Sirius' torso. Laughing, Sirius' squirmed and launched himself up, freeing his arm and pinning James beneath him, dislodging his bed sheets, raising a cry of consternation from the helpless Prongs.

"Merlin, Pads, you slept starkers! Gerroff me!"

"Making you hot am I? Told you you found me irresistible."

"You wish!" James landed a punch in Sirius' stomach, throwing him backwards and tangling the boys once more. They brawled and twisted and grunted until -

"Ow! Moony! He's biting me, help me with the stupid mutt!"

When he received no reply James looked up from underneath Sirius' bare and bruising arm, only to find that Remus was no longer there.